Protective effect of Nardostachys jatamansi in rat cerebral ischemia

Ethnopharmacologically important highly subsidized Indian medicinal plants: Systematic review on their traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control, conservation status and future prospective

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

India has an extensive reservoir of traditional wisdom and a diverse range of medicinal plants that enrich its heritage. Plants have actively been used for healthcare practices globally since the time immemorial. Medicinal uses of plants have been well recognized in India, evident from plant species documented in different traditional medicinal systems such as Ayurveda (1400-1800 species), Siddha (500-900 species), Unani (400-700 species), Homeopathy (about 372 species), and Sowa-Rigpa (about 250 species), etc. AIM OF THE STUDY: The primary purpose of this review is to provide systematic updated information on thirteen medicinal plants prioritized by the Indian government (providing75 % subsidy on cultivation cost) based on the availability and market demand of these plants. Updated information regarding the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control, and conservation status of these plants will help in understanding their pharmacological and commercial importance. This will also help in developing new strategies for their conservation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Online databases such as SciFinder, Web of Science, Pubmed, and Google Scholar were used to collect the electronically available literature on targeted thirteen plants. Also, different Indian government official websites such as AYUSH (https://www.ayush.gov.in); NMPB (National Medicinal Plants Board) (https://nmpb.nic.in); e.charak (https://echarak.in) were used for collecting information related to the amount of subsidy, trade and price related information of these plants.

RESULTS

To promote medicinal plant cultivation, the Indian government provides subsidies for cultivating some traditionally important medicinal plants. These plants are divided into three categories according to the subsidy provided to farmers, i.e., 30%, 50%, and 75% of the cost of cultivation. Thirteen medicinal plants which are provided 75% subsidy are Aconitum ferox Wall., Aconitum heterophyllum Wall., Aquilaria agallocha Roxb., Berberis aristata DC., Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari, Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC., Oroxylum indicum (L.) Benth. ex Kurz, Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth., Podophyllum hexandrum Royle, Pterocarpus santalinus L.f., Santalum Album L., Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch., and Swertia chirayita (Roxb.) H.Karst. The literature survey reveals the enormous traditional medicinal importance, wide geographical distribution, diverse range of natural products, and broad spectrum of pharmacological activities of these plants.

CONCLUSION

A comprehensive literature survey revealed that although remarkable progress has been made in isolation, bioactivity evaluation, quality assessment, and conservation, there is still a lot of scope for further scientific interventions. Scientific validation of traditionally claimed medicinal potential is lacking for various bioactivities. Some of the bioactivities are performed just on extracts/fractions, so there is a need for proper phytochemical studies to identify active constituents responsible for the specific bioactivity. Further, quality assessment methods using both targeted and non-targeted tools are required to evaluate the quality of these highly-priced medicinal plants and their adulterants. Ultimately, to encourage the cultivation of these endangered medicinal plant species, it is imperative to implement proper legislation and employ in-situ and ex-situ conservation tools.

Nardostachys jatamansi: Phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal uses, and pharmacological activities: A comprehensive review

A member of the Valerianacae family, Nardostachys jatamansi is the smallest, most primitive, perennial, dwarf, hairy, rhizomatous, herbaceous species. It has an enlarged antiquity of usage as ayurvedic medicine, homeopathic medicine, ethnomedicine, and the Indian system of medicine, and is now used in the modern medicine industry. In the ayurvedic medical system, the rhizomes of the plant are used as a bitter tonic, stimulant, antispasmodic, epileptic treatment, and for hysteria. Pharmacological reports on Nardostachys jatamansi revealed its antifungal activity, hepatoprotective activity, central nervous system activity, anticonvulsant activity, neuroprotective activity, antiparkinson's activity, antioxidant activity, antidiabetic activity, tranquilizing activity, antiestrogenic activity furthermore, Jatamansone has also been linked to anti-hypertensive, anti-arrhythmic, anti-asthmatic, nematicidal, and antibacterial effects. This review article's objective is to go over traditional uses, Phytochemistry, Ethnomedicinal Importance, pharmacological activities, precise procedures for variety improvement, protection, and appropriate utilization, and recognize prospects for Nardostachys jatamansi.

A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and the analytical methods of the genus Nardostachys

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The plants of the genus Nardostachys (Caprifoliaceae) have been used for a long history in different cultural systems of medicine, including Chinese, Ayurvedic, Korean folk medicine and Islamic, for treatments of disorders in nervous, digestive, cardiovascular and integumentary systems.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to provide comprehensive information on Nardostachys plants including botany update, traditional uses, data mining of uses in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and current Chinese medicinal patents, chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, toxicity and analytical method studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Studies of the genus Nardostachys were collected via Google Scholar and Baidu Scholar, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Wiley Online Library, ACS Publications, NLM/NCBI, Web of Science, CNKI, WANFANG DATA, EMBASE, Huabeing database and Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource Network and libraries. Some local books, PhD or MS's dissertations were also included. The literatures cited in this review covered the period from 1962 to March 2021. The Plant List and Kew Herbarium Catalogue databases were used to authenticate the scientific name.

RESULTS

Botany description of Nardostachys genus is updated. Analysis of the literatures indicates that Nardostachys species are valuable herbs with therapeutic potentials for various disorders. Data mining on ancient TCM prescriptions and current Chinese medicinal patents containing Nardostachys revealed its common compatibility with other herbs in China. Phytochemical studies identified terpenoids and phenolic compounds as the main constituents in the genus Nardostachys and sesquiterpenoids as the major bioactive components. Experimental studies demonstrated that crude extracts, major fractions and the main constituents from Nardostachys species mainly exhibited pharmacological activities on nervous, digestive, cardiovascular and skin systems. Further, in vivo and in vitro toxicological studies demonstrated that Nardostachys plants showed either no or low toxicities, except at high doses. Finally, methods of qualitative and quantitative analyses on chemical constituents of genus Nardostachys were summarized, including TLC/HPTLC, GC and HPLC/UPLC methods, combined with common detectors including PDA, DAD and MS.

CONCLUSIONS

This review summarizes the progress on phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and analytical methods of the genus Nardostachys. Studies demonstrate traditional uses of the genus Nardostachys, and reveal novel bioactive effects for clinical uses. These achievements expand our knowledge on the genus Nardostachys and its clinical value.

Pesticides and Parkinson's disease: Current and future perspective

Inappropriate use of pesticides has globally exposed mankind to a number of health hazards. Still their production is rising at the rate of 11 % annually and, has already exceeded more than 5 million tons in 2000 (FAO 2017). Plenty of available data reveals that pesticides exposures through agricultural use and food-preservative residue consumption may lead to neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive motor impairment and a neurodegenerative disorder, considered as the leading source of motor disability. Pesticides strongly inhibit mitochondrial Complex-I, causing mitochondrial dysfunction and death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN), thus leading to pathophysiologic implications of PD. Current medical treatment strategies, including pharmacotherapeutics and supportive therapies can only provide symptomatic relief. While complementary and alternative medicines including traditional medicine or acupuncture are considered as beneficial ways of treatment with significant clinical effect. Medically non-responding cases can be treated by surgical means, 'Deep Brain Stimulation'. Cell therapy is also an emerging and promising technology for disease modeling and drug development in PD. Their main aim is to replace and/or support the lost and dying dopaminergic neurons in the SN. Recently I/II clinical phase trial (Japan) have used dopaminergic progenitors generated from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells which can unveil a successful cell therapy to treat PD symptoms efficiently. This review focuses on PD caused by pesticides use, current treatment modalities, and ongoing research updates. Since PD is not a cell-autonomous disease rather caused by multiple factors, a combinatorial therapeutic approach may address not only the motor-related symptoms but also non-motor cognitive-behavioral issues.

Comparative and Functional Screening of Three Species Traditionally used as Antidepressants: Valeriana officinalis L., Valeriana jatamansi Jones ex Roxb. and Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC

The essential oils (EOs) of three Caprifoliaceae species, the Eurasiatic Valeriana officinalis (Vo), the Himalayan Valeriana jatamansi (Vj) and Nardostachys jatamansi (Nj), are traditionally used to treat neurological disorders. Roots/rhizomes micromorphology, DNA barcoding and EOs phytochemical characterization were carried out, while biological effects on the nervous system were assessed by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and microelectrode arrays (MEA). Nj showed the highest inhibitory activity on AChE (IC₅₀ 67.15 μg/mL) followed by Vo (IC₅₀ 127.30 μg/mL) and Vj (IC₅₀ 246.84 μg/mL). MEA analyses on rat cortical neurons, carried out by recording mean firing rate (MFR) and mean bursting rate (MBR), revealed stronger inhibition by Nj (IC₅₀ 18.8 and 11.1 μg/mL) and Vo (16.5 and 22.5 μg/mL), compared with Vj (68.5 and 89.3 μg/mL). These results could be related to different EO compositions, since sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes significantly contribute to the observed effects, but the presence of oxygenated compounds such as aldehydes and ketones is a discriminating factor in determining the order of potency. Our multidisciplinary approach represents an important tool to avoid the adulteration of herbal drugs and permits the evaluation of the effectiveness of EOs that could be used for a wide range of therapeutic applications.

Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC.-Challenges and opportunities of harnessing the untapped medicinal plant from the Himalayas

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC. (family Caprifoliaceae) is prized in the Chinese, Tibetan, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Indian and Japanese systems of medicine. Its medicinal properties are well documented in ancient literature such as the Ayurvedic classics, the Old Testament, Ben-Cao- Shi-Yi, and Homer's Iliad. The plant is critically endangered and found in the alpine and sub-alpine regions of the Himalayas.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our study aims to show the challenges and opportunities of harnessing the untapped pharmaceutical resources of N. jatamansi. Another aim is to explore the possibilities of translating ethnobotanical information into health benefit applications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sources of information used in the study are government reports, dissertations, books, research articles and databases like Science-Direct, SciFinder, Web of Science, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and ACS Publications on N. jatamansi.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In the study, we have examined and discussed reports on phytochemicals present in the plant, their structure, biological activity, pharmacological properties of extracts derived from plant parts, isolated compounds, and commercially available products from the plant. We have identified and discussed ambiguities and confusions about the plant's nomenclature and geographical distribution, and highlighted various studies that failed to discuss this issue. We analyzed the links between various reports on ethnobotanical information as well as studies on phytochemistry and pharmacologyconfirming the therapeutic properties of N. jatamansi. However, in many of these findings which had used dried samples, there was an uncanny resemblance between the phytochemical profiles and biological activities of N. jatamansi and Valeriana jatamansi Jones ex Roxb. (another genus from family, Caprifoliaceae). Since both the species share identical vernacular names, a possible reason could be that the samples may not have been of two separate species. Other limitations of different studies were the use of out-dated techniques for phytochemical profiling, absence of toxicology studies using animal models and clinical trials using human subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of various studies revealed a confusion about the botanical nomenclature of the plants and their geographical distributions. Absence of proper markers for identification of correct samples and improperly conducted studies on N. jatamansi were found to be the major hurdles to the use of ethnobotanical information and research findings into applications for human health. Development of markers using molecular, chemical and pharmacognosy based approaches for plant authentication and, in vitro propagation of authenticated material for easy availability of genuine plant material are the possible solutions to the problems identified.

Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry of Desoxo-Narchinol a and Its Pharmacokinetics and Oral Bioavailability in Rats and Mice

Desoxo-narchinol A is one of the major active constituents from Nardostachys jatamansi, which has been reported to possess various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticonvulsant activity. A simple and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of desoxo-narchinol A in two different biological matrices, i.e., rat plasma and mouse plasma, using sildenafil as an internal standard (IS). The method involved simple protein precipitation with acetonitrile and the analyte was separated by gradient elution using 100% acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water as a mobile phase. The MS detection was performed with a turbo electrospray in positive ion mode. The lower limit of quantification was 10 ng/mL in both rat and mouse plasma. Intra- and inter-day accuracies were in the ranges of 97.23-104.54% in the rat plasma and 95.90-110.11% in the mouse plasma. The precisions were within 8.65% and 6.46% in the rat and mouse plasma, respectively. The method was applied to examine the pharmacokinetics of desoxo-narchinol A, and the oral bioavailability of desoxo-narchinol A was 18.1% in rats and 28.4% in mice. The present results may be useful for further preclinical and clinical studies of desoxo-narchinol A.

An Overview of the Genus Nardostachys

Nardostachys jatamansi, a medicinally important herb of Nepalese origin, has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine. In combination with Marsilea minuta it is being used as an antistress and anticonvulsant drug and also finds use in the treatment of epilepsy. Recently, it has been reported that N. jatamansi, which plays an important role in protecting from cerebral ischemia and liver damage, is also used for the treatment of osteoporosis and hypercalcemia. The other member of the genus Nardostachys, N. chinensis, possesses antifungal and antimalarial properties. It is also used in the treatment of skin dysfunction. A short summary of the chemical constituents of the two species along with their physical and biological properties is reported.

Anxiolytic actions of Nardostachys jatamansi via GABA benzodiazepine channel complex mechanism and its biodistribution studies

Nardostachys jatamansi has profound applications against pharmacological interventions and is categorized as a hypno-sedative drug according to Ayurveda. In the present study probable mechanism of anxiolytic action of Nardostachys jatamansi extract (NJE) was studied using behavioral anxiolytic tests (Elevated plus maze, Open field test, Light dark box test, and Vogel's conflict test) in mice. Mice were treated orally with NJE (250 mg/kg) for 3, 7 and 14 days or diazepam (1 mg/kg) followed by behavioral assessment and estimation of monoamine neurotransmitters, GABA, and antioxidant enzymes. Treatment of mice for 7 days caused an increase in time spent in open arms in elevated plus maze, number of line crossings in open field test, increased time spent in lit compartment of light-dark box test, an increase in number of licks made and shocks accepted in Vogel's conflict test, with results comparable to diazepam and this treatment also caused a significant increase in monoamine neurotransmitters and GABA in brain and tissue antioxidant parameters. Co-treatment of NJE with flumazenil (GABA-benzodiazepine antagonist; 0.5 mg/kg i.p) or picrotoxin (GABA_A gated chloride channel blocker; 1 mg/kg i.p) caused a blockage/antagonised anxiolytic actions of NJE by causing a significant reduction in time spent in open arms of elevated plus maze, an decrease in number of line crossing in open field test and also number of shocks and licks accepted in Vogel's conflict test. Further, NJE was radiolabelled with technetium^99m at their hydroxyl groups following which purity as well as in vivo and in vitro stability of radiolabelled formulations was evaluated. The blood kinetics and in vivo bio-distribution studies were carried out in rabbits and mice respectively. Labeled formulation was found to be stable in vitro (96 to 93% stability) and in vivo (96 to 92% stability). The labeled compound was cleared rapidly from blood (within 24 h) and accumulated majorly in kidneys (11.65 ± 1.33), liver (6.07 ± 0.94), and blood (4.03 ± 0.63) after 1 h. However, a small amount was observed in brain (0.1 ± 0.02) probably because of its inability to cross blood-brain barrier. These results highlight biodistribution pattern of NJE, and also indicated that a 7-day treatment with NJE produced significant anxiolytic effects in mice and also a significant increase in brain monoamine and GABA neurotransmitter levels and suggests that anxiolytic effects of NJE are primarily and plausibly mediated by activating GABAergic receptor complex.

Effect of Brahmi vati and Sarpagandha Ghana vati in management of essential hypertension - A randomized, double blind, clinical study

Background

Essential hypertension (EHTN) is emerging as one of the most prevalent disorder with high rate of complications, morbidity and mortality. Brahmi vati, an Ayurvedic medicine is explored for its efficacy in the management of EHTN.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of Brahmi vati and sarpagandha Ghana vati in the management of EHTN.

Methods

Total 68 patients meeting the JNC 7 criteria of EHTN of age group 20 to 60 years of either sex participated in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups, group A received capsule Brahmi vati 500 mg and group B capsule Sarpagandha Ghana vati 500 mg respectively twice a day for 30 days. Assessments were done through various variables like systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), lipid profiles, Hamilton anxiety rating scale, 2 weeks sleep diary, serum creatinine, hemoglobin, total leukocyte count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Follow up visit was on every 15th day.

Results

Study showed that both Brahmi vati and Sarpagandha Ghanavati produced improvement in most of the variables and were comparable. Improvements were seen in various variables like SBP, DBP, MAP, Hamilton anxiety rating scale, subjective sleep profiles and total cholesterol. However Brahmi vati showed increase in weight and Body Mass Index (BMI). SarpagandhaGhanavati produced reduction in total cholesterol and LDL. Both groups showed good safety profile evaluated through the assessment of serum creatinine levels.

Conclusion

Clinical efficacy of Sarpagandha Ghana vati and Brahmi vati on EHTN showed that both were effective, safe and comparable.

Natural products against Alzheimer's disease: Pharmaco-therapeutics and biotechnological interventions

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a severe, chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with memory and cognition impairment ultimately leading to death. It is the commonest reason of dementia in elderly populations mostly affecting beyond the age of 65. The pathogenesis is indicated by accumulation of the amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in brain tissues and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein in neurons. The main cause is considered to be the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to oxidative stress. The current treatment provides only symptomatic relief by offering temporary palliative therapy which declines the rate of cognitive impairment associated with AD. Inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is considered as one of the major therapeutic strategies offering only symptomatic relief and moderate disease-modifying effect. Other non-cholinergic therapeutic approaches include antioxidant and vitamin therapy, stem cell therapy, hormonal therapy, use of antihypertensive or lipid-lowering medications and selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, inhibition of β-secretase and γ-secretase and Aβ aggregation, inhibition of tau hyperphosphorylation and intracellular NFT, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), transition metal chelators, insulin resistance drugs, etanercept, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) etc. Medicinal plants have been reported for possible anti-AD activity in a number of preclinical and clinical trials. Ethnobotany, being popular in China and in the Far East and possibly less emphasized in Europe, plays a substantial role in the discovery of anti-AD agents from botanicals. Chinese Material Medica (CMM) involving Chinese medicinal plants has been used traditionally in China in the treatment of AD. Ayurveda has already provided numerous lead compounds in drug discovery and many of these are also undergoing clinical investigations. A number of medicinal plants either in their crude forms or as isolated compounds have exhibited to reduce the pathological features associated with AD. In this present review, an attempt has been made to elucidate the molecular mode of action of various plant extracts, phytochemicals and traditional herbal formulations investigated against AD as reported in various preclinical and clinical tests. Herbal synergism often found in polyherbal formulations were found effective to combat disease heterogeneity as found in complex pathogenesis of AD. Finally a note has been added to describe biotechnological improvement, genetic and genomic resources and mathematical and statistical techniques for empirical model building associated with anti-AD plant secondary metabolites and their source botanicals.

Divergent synthetic route to new cyclopenta[c]pyran iridoids: syntheses of jatamanin A, F, G and J, gastrolactone and nepetalactone

Six natural iridoids including jatamanin A, F, G and J, gastrolactone and nepetalactone have been synthesized via the efficient transformation of a core cyclopenta[c]pyran intermediate. Key features of the syntheses include the stereoselective construction of the core cyclopenta[c]pyran skeleton of the iridoid lactones via a Pd(0)-catalyzed intramolecular allylic alkylation, and the facile transformation of the common intermediate into natural iridoids.

Efficacy of Natural Compounds in Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurodegenerative disorders represent clusters of serious diseases that results in progressive deterioration of normal structure and physiology of central nervous system. Pathophysiology of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or other neurodegenerative disorders involves multifaceted permutation of genetic and environmental factors. Combinations of lifestyle modification linked with environmental factor jointly or alone represent the largest share of cases of these disorders. Etiology of such neuronal degeneration involves manifestation of toxic reaction in the form of functional anomalies leading to dysfunction of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, activated inflammatory cascade, compromised neuronal survival pathway, mitochondrial dysfunction and finally neuronal apoptosis/necrosis and cell death. Furthermore, evidences from various studies exhibited role of oxidative stress and compromised anti-oxidant defense system as one of the prime factors associated with activation of various signal transduction pathways that would ultimately lead to the formation of amyloid beta or alpha synuclein in the brain. Keeping in view of complex etiology and pathophysiology along with a miniscule of available treatment options associated with these neurodegenerative disorders, the role of natural agents and herbal extracts as therapeutic alternatives alone or in combination with synthetic drugs could not be ruled out. In the same context the present chapter has been aimed to investigate the role of selected natural plants like Withania somnifera, Bacopa monnieri, Curcuma longa, Centella asiatica, Ocimum sanctum, Nardostachys jatamansi and Emblica officinalis in various neurodegenerative disorders and explore their targets to ameliorate neurotoxicity in various experimental models. The rationale for selection of these plants was based on their strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant potential and large body of evidence that suggest their efficacy in preclinical as well as in clinical studies. Active constituents if these herbals might play an important role in preserving the integrity of various neurotransmitters and their receptor in the brain influencing its functions at the molecular level.

Chemical Composition of Nardostachys grandiflora Rhizome Oil from Nepal – A Contribution to the Chemotaxonomy and Bioactivity of Nardostachys

The essential oil from the dried rhizome of Nardostachys grandiflora, collected from Jaljale, Nepal, was obtained in 1.4% yield, and a total of 72 compounds were identified constituting 93.8% of the essential oil. The rhizome essential oil of N. grandiflora was mostly composed of calarene (9.4%), valerena-4,7(11)-diene (7.1%), nardol A (6.0%), 1(10)-aristolen-9-ol (11.6%), jatamansone (7.9%), valeranal (5.6%), and cis-valerinic acid (5.7%). The chemical composition of N. grandiflora rhizome oil from Nepal is qualitatively very different than those from Indian, Chinese, and Pakistani Nardostachys essential oils. In this study we have evaluated the chemical composition and biological activities of N. grandiflora from Nepal. Additionally, 1(10)-aristolen-9-ol was isolated and the structure determined by NMR, and represents the first report of this compound from N. grandiflora. N. grandiflora rhizome oil showed in-vitro antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans (MIC = 156 μg/mL), as well as in-vitro cytotoxic activity on MCF-7 cells.

Evaluation of the influence of ayurvedic formulation (Ayushman-15) on psychopathology, heart rate variability and stress hormonal level in major depression (Vishada)

INTRODUCTION

Ayurveda (Indian-complimentary and alternative medicine) is still most sought after in India and has promising potential in management of Vishada [major depressive disorder (MDD)]. But, systematic research is lacking. In this study we evaluated of influence of ayurvedic treatment (Panchakarma and Ayushman-15) on psychopathology, heart rate variability (HRV) and endocrinal parameters in patients with major depression.

METHODS

81 drug naive patients diagnosed as Vishada by ayurvedic physician and MDD according to DSM IV-TR were given ayurvedic Virechana module (therapeutic purgation) and were randomized into two groups. Patients in group A (n=41) received Ayushman-15A while group B (n=40) received Ayushman-15B for two months and Shirodhara (forehead-oil pouring therapy). Patients were assessed with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were estimated at baseline and after ayurvedic therapy. HRV and endocrinal parameters were compared with age and gender matched healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

HRV parameters showed significant sympathetic dominance in patients compared to healthy volunteers. Two months of ayurvedic treatment significantly decreased psychopathology, showed increase in vagal tone, decrease in sympathetic tone and reduced cortisol levels. However, there was no significant difference between groups receiving Ayushman A and B.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence for antidepressant, cardiac (HRV) and beneficial neuroendocrine modulatory influence of Ayurveda therapy in patients of Vishada (MDD). Further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Greater insight into the neurobiology behind this therapy might provide valuable information about newer drug target.

Review of plants and their constituents in the therapy of cerebral ischemia

Cerebral ischemia is a condition in which there is insufficient blood flow to the brain to meet metabolic demand. This leads to cerebral hypoxia and thus to the death of neuronal cells or stroke. The limited number of medicines currently available for patients following ischemic stroke and insufficient data on efficiency of these chemicals in the treatment of stroke led us to the search for novel therapeutic approaches. Recent studies have focused on the possible capacity of natural compounds extracted from vegetables and fruits, to prevent human disabilities caused by cerebral ischemia. In this review, we will discuss some plants and their constituents that may protect brain ischemia or delay the neurological disorders following a stroke. We have reviewed different studies in scientific databases that investigate herbal compounds and their effects on cerebral ischemia.

The volatile oil of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma inhibits the oxidative stress-induced cell injury via reactive oxygen species scavenging and Akt activation in H9c2 cardiomyocyte

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma (NRR; the root and rhizome of Nardostachys jatamansi DC.) is a well-known medicinal herb widely used in Chinese, Uyghur and Ayurvedic medicines for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. The oxidative stress-induced cardiomyocyte loss is the major pathogenesis of heart disorders. Here, the total volatile oil of NRR was isolated, and its function in preventing the cell death of cardiomyocyte was demonstrated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cyto-protective effect of volatile oil of NRR against tBHP-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury was measured by MTT assay. A promoter-report construct (pARE-Luc) containing four repeats of antioxidant response element (ARE) was applied to study the transcriptional activation of ARE. The amounts of phase ΙΙ antioxidant enzymes were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymer chain reaction (qPCR) upon the volatile oil treatment at 30 μg/mL for 24 h. The activation of Akt pathway was analyzed by western blot.

RESULTS

In cultured H9c2 cardiomyocytes, application of NRR volatile oil exhibited strong potency in preventing tBHP-induced cell death and accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the application of NRR volatile oil in cultures stimulated the gene expressions of self-defense antioxidant enzymes, which was mediated by the transcriptional activation of antioxidant response element (ARE). The induced genes were glutathione S-transferase, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic and modulatory subunits. In addition, the volatile oil of NRR activated the phosphorylation of Akt in cultured H9c2 cells. The treatment of LY294002, an Akt inhibitor, significantly inhibited the volatile oil-mediated ARE transcriptional activity, as well as the cell protective effect of NRR oil.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated that NRR volatile oil prevented the oxidative stress-induced cell death in H9c2 cells by (i) reducing intracellular ROS production, (ii) inducing antioxidant enzymes and (iii) activating Akt phosphorylation.

Song bu li decoction, a traditional uyghur medicine, protects cell death by regulation of oxidative stress and differentiation in cultured PC12 cells

Song Bu Li decoction (SBL) is a traditional Uyghur medicinal herbal preparation, containing Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma. Recently, SBL is being used to treat neurological disorders (insomnia and neurasthenia) and heart disorders (arrhythmia and palpitation). Although this herbal extract has been used for many years, there is no scientific basis about its effectiveness. Here, we aimed to evaluate the protective and differentiating activities of SBL in cultured PC12 cells. The pretreatment of SBL protected the cell against tBHP-induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner. In parallel, SBL suppressed intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. The transcriptional activity of antioxidant response element (ARE), as well as the key antioxidative stress proteins, was induced in dose-dependent manner by SBL in the cultures. In cultured PC12 cells, the expression of neurofilament, a protein marker for neuronal differentiation, was markedly induced by applied herbal extract. Moreover, the nerve growth factor- (NGF-) induced neurite outgrowth in cultured PC12 cells was significantly potentiated by the cotreatment of SBL. In accord, the expression of neurofilament was increased in the treatment of SBL. These results therefore suggested a possible role of SBL by its effect on neuron differentiation and protection against oxidative stress.

Are the Current Complementary and Alternative Therapies Available for the Treatment of Low Back Pain and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Reliable Clinically? A Review of the Literature

Low back pain and chronic fatigue syndrome are major work-related disablers affecting millions around the globe today. This article assesses the clinical reliability of complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of low back pain and chronic fatigue syndrome using the existing accessible literature. Multiple bibliographic databases that include medical, general health care, and natural medicine literature were searched for relevant terms and conclusions. The authors examined all abstracts obtained through the search and reviewed the full text of the relevant articles along with the additional supporting articles that resulted from the search. It is observed from the literature that most of the complementary and alternative treatments available today are clinically reliable for the treatment of low back pain, as significantly evidenced. However, not many studies support the clinical reliability of the use of complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Nardostachys jatamansi extract prevents chronic restraint stress-induced learning and memory deficits in a radial arm maze task

Nardostachys jatamansi is traditionally used in alternative medicine for treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. We investigated the potential of N. jatamansi extract (NJE) in protecting against chronic stress-induced impairments in spatial learning and memory. The rats were exposed to 21 days of chronic restraint stress and simultaneously received 100 mg or 200 mg/kg body weight of NJE following which acquisition and retention of hippocampus-dependent spatial memory were tested in a partially-baited eight arm radial maze. Animals treated with 200 mg/kg body weight NJE had learning curves comparable to control unstressed animals, made significantly more correct choices (38%, P < 0.001), and fewer reference memory errors (53%, P < 0.01) on the eighth day of training compared to untreated stressed animals as well as stressed animals which received vehicle or a lower dose (100 mg/kg) of NJE. NJE-treated animals also made significantly higher correct choices (31%, P < 0.001) than untreated animals in a retention test 10 days after the training period. We propose that NJE has a protective effect of stress-induced impairments in hippocampus-dependent learning and memory behavior in rats.

Azadirachta indica mitigates behavioral impairments, oxidative damage, histological alterations and apoptosis in focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model of rats

Azadirachta indica Linn. (Meliaceae) has been used from ancient times as a remedy for various ailments. The present study was designed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties of A. indica seed extract (ASE) in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model. Antioxidant potential of ASE was determined in vitro. Further, ASE was evaluated against neurological deficits, histological alterations (TTC, CV and H&E) and oxidative damage (TBARS, GSH and nitrite) in MCAO rats. Moreover, caspase-3 and -9 were analyzed to evaluate the anti-apoptotic activity of ASE. ASE has shown potent in vitro reducing power (126.2 mg AsAE/g extract) and free radical scavenging activities (DPPH 171.0 and NO 176.0 μg/ml). Furthermore, ASE inhibited oxidative stress and decreased the activities of caspase-3 (26.7 %, p < 0.05) and caspase-9 (31.2 %, p < 0.01) thus, reduced neuronal loss in MCAO rats. Our data revealed that ASE has potent antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, and may be explored for its active constituents against neurodegenerative diseases.

Centella asiatica attenuates the neurobehavioral, neurochemical and histological changes in transient focal middle cerebral artery occlusion rats

Centella asiatica has been used as psychoactive and antioxidant herbal medicine since ancient time. The present study was design to evaluate the preventive role of ethanolic extract of C. asiatica in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats. Male Wistar rats were gavaged orally with C. asiatica extract (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight once daily) for 21 days and thereafter subjected to right MCAO for 2 h followed by 22-h reperfusion. Brain injury was evaluated by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Behavioural outcomes as neurological deficit, rota rod test, and grip strength were assessed. In addition, lipid peroxidation, enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants were analyzed to assess the oxidative stress. Our results revealed that C. asiatica administration greatly improved neurobehavioral activity and diminished infarction volume along with the restored histological morphology of brain in MCAO rats. Furthermore, supplementation with this extract to MCAO group has reduced the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive species, restored glutathione content and augmented the activities of antioxidant enzymes-catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase in a dose-dependent manner in ischemic rats. The remarkable antioxidant activity of C. asiatica may be attributed to its bioactive triterpenes, asiatic acid, asiaticoside, madecassic acid and madecosside and may be translated to clinical level for prevention of ischemic stroke.

Silymarin protects neurons from oxidative stress associated damages in focal cerebral ischemia: a behavioral, biochemical and immunohistological study in Wistar rats

Cerebral stroke is the third largest cause of death and the severe leading cause of disability, thus have astronomical financial and social burden worldwide. Accumulated evidence suggests that ROS can be scavenged through utilizing natural antioxidant compounds present in foods and medicinal plants. In this study, we examined whether silymarin, an antioxidant, present in the milk of thistle can prevent or slowdown neuronal injury in focal cerebral ischemia. Male Wistar rats were pre-treated with silymarin (200mg/kg body weight, dissolved in 0.3 % sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, once orally) for 15 days. On day 16, they underwent a transient 2h suture-occlusion of the middle cerebral artery followed by 22 h of reperfusion. Rats were tested for neurobehavioral activity after 22 h reperfusion. Silymarin was found to be successful in upregulating the antioxidant status and lowering the apoptotic responses, and functional recovery returned close to the baseline. This study revealed that silymarin, a naturally occurring flavone from the milk thistle (Silybum marianum), may be helpful in slowing down the progression of neurodegeneration in focal cerebral ischemia. These results suggest that the neuroprotective potential of silymarin is mediated through its anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic properties.

Neuroprotection Offered by Majun Khadar, a Traditional Unani Medicine, during Cerebral Ischemic Damage in Rats

Stroke results in damages to many biochemical, molecular and behavioral deficits. Present study provides evidence of the protective efficacy of a Unani herbal medicine, Majun Khadar (MK), against cerebral ischemia-induced behavioral dysfunctions and neurochemical alterations in the hippocampus (HIP). Transient focal cerebral ischemia was induced for 2 h followed by reperfusion for 22 h in a rat model. Rats were divided into four groups: sham, middle cerebral artery occluded (MCAO), drug sham (MK; 0.816 g kg(-1) orally for 15 days) and MK pre-treated ischemic group (MK + MCAO). Levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were estimated in HIP along with behavioral testing. MK pre-treatment significantly (P < .05-.001) restored the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GP×), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and decreased the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and H2O2 content in HIP in the MK + MCAO group which were severely altered in the MCAO group. The content of glutathione (GSH), total thiols (TT) and ascorbic acid (AsA) was significantly depleted in the MCAO group; pretreatment with MK was able to restore its levels. Also in the MK + MCAO group, significant (P < .5-.001) recovery in behavioral testing by rota rod and open-field activities was seen as compared with the MCAO group. MK alone did not show any change neither in the status of various antioxidants nor behavioral functions over sham values. Although detailed studies are required for the evaluation of exact neuroprotective mechanism of MK against cerebral ischemia these preliminary experimental findings conclude that MK exhibits neuroprotective effect in cerebral ischemia by potentiating the antioxidant defense system of the brain.

Synergistic effect of selenium and melatonin on neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia in rats

The synergistic scavenger effects of selenium and melatonin collectively we called Se-Mel was studied on the prevention of neuronal injury induced by ischemia/reperfusion. Male Wistar rats were treated with sodium selenite (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) and melatonin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 min before the middle carotid artery occlusion (MCAO) and immediately after MCAO to male Wistar rats and was continued for 3 days once daily at the interval of 24 h. Behavioral activity (spontaneous motor activity and motor deficit) was improved in Se-Mel-treated rats as compared to MCAO group rats. The level of glutathione and the activity of antioxidant enzymes was depleted significantly while the content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, protein carbonyl, and nitric oxide radical (NO(·)) was increased significantly in MCAO group. Systemic administration of Se-Mel ameliorated oxidative stress and improves ischemia/reperfusion-induced focal cerebral ischemia. Se-Mel also inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in Se-Mel+MCAO group as compared to MCAO group rats. Thus, Se-Mel has shown an excellent neuroprotective effect against ischemia/reperfusion injury through an anti-ischemic pathway. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the pretreatment with Se-Mel at the onset of reperfusion, reduced post-ischemic damage, and improved neurological outcome following transient focal cerebral ischemia in male Wistar rat.

Postischemic administration of liposome-encapsulated luteolin prevents against ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model

Oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases; one such disease is ischemic stroke. Using reactive oxygen species (ROS)-insulted primary neurons, we screened neuroprotectants with clinical potential and then, using ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model, investigated the anti-ischemic potential of candidate neuroprotectants. Here, we showed that luteolin, isolated from the ripe fruit of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt, exhibited a neuroprotective action upon the in vitro platform, thus serving as candidate for in vivo pharmacological evaluation. Liposome-encapsulated luteolin produced dramatic preventing effects on I/R-induced behavioral and histological injuries after a 13-day post-ischemic treatment. Furthermore, this phytochemical not only lowered the increased level of mitochondrial ROS but also substantially up-regulated the decreased activity of catalase and glutathione in I/R rat brains. Collectively, luteolin as a neuroprotectant acts by anti-ischemic activity likely through a rebalancing of pro-oxidant/antioxidant status. Its multitarget mechanisms implicate potential effectiveness for clinically treating ischemia stroke.

Evaluation of toxicological and antioxidant potential of Nardostachys jatamansi in reversing haloperidol-induced catalepsy in rats

An aqueous root extract from Nardostachys jatamansi was investigated for its antioxidant and anticataleptic effects in the haloperidol-induced catalepsy rat model of the disease by measuring various behavioral and biochemical parameters. Catalepsy was induced by administration of haloperidol (1 mg/kg, ip) in male albino rats. A significant (P < 0.01) reduction in the cataleptic scores were observed in all the drug-treated groups as compared to the haloperidol-treated group; with maximum reduction observed in the Nardostachys jatamansi (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) administered group. To estimate biochemical parameters: the generation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS); reduced glutathione (GSH) content and glutathione-dependent enzymes; catalase; and superoxide dismutase (SOD), in the brain were assessed. Haloperidol administration increased generation of TBARS and significantly reduced GSH, which were restored to near normal level with the Nardostachys jatamansi treatment. Catalase and SOD levels were also increased to normal levels, having been reduced significantly by haloperidol administration. Our findings of behavioral studies and biochemical estimations show that Nardostachys jatamansi reversed the haloperidol-induced catalepsy in rats. We conclude that the antioxidant potential has contributed to the reduction in the oxidative stress and catalepsy induced by haloperidol administration.

Protective effect of irbesartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, alone and in combination with aspirin on middle cerebral artery occlusion model of focal cerebral ischemia in rats

The present study was designed to test pretreatment multiple doses of irbesartan (IRB) 50 mg, aspirin (ASP) 100 mg and the combination of both drugs for 7 days on middle cerebral artery—occluded (MCAO) rats. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by MCA occlusion for 2 hours followed by reperfusion for 22 hours. After 24 hours of ischemia, grip strength and locomotor activity tests were performed. Animals were immediately sacrificed, infarct volume was measured followed by the estimation of markers of oxidative stress in the whole brains. Locomotor activity and grip strength were improved in IRB- and ASP-treated rats. Infarct volume was reduced in both IRB and ASP pretreatment as compared with MCAO rats. An elevation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and a reduction in glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were observed following MCAO. Pretreatment of IRB and ASP showed the reduction in TBARS, elevation in GSH, SOD and catalase levels as compared with MCAO rats. The protective effects of IRB, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist having affinity for AT1 receptor subtypes, could be due to inhibition of AT 1 receptor expression in addition to its neuroprotective and free radical scavenging properties in cerebral ischemia. Further, it may be possible that the combination of IRB and ASP may be useful as an add-on therapy and would yield beneficial effects, if administered immediately following the ischemia in reducing the severity of the neurological deficits. However, our results are preliminary, further studies with posttreatment of IRB and ASP are required to provide more firm view.

Protective effect of Nardostachys jatamansi on oxidative injury and cellular abnormalities during doxorubicin-induced cardiac damage in rats

Nardostachys jatamansi is a medicinally important herb of Indian origin. It has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine for the treatment of various ailments. We have evaluated the effect of N. jatamansi (rhizomes) on the biochemical changes, tissue peroxidative damage and abnormal antioxidant levels in doxorubicin (adriamycin)-induced cardiac damage. Preliminary studies on the effect of the graded dose of extract showed that 500 mg kg−1 orally for seven days was found to be optimum and hence all further study was carried out with this particular dose. Rats administered doxorubicin (15 mg kg−1, i.p.) showed myocardial damage that was manifested by the elevation of serum marker enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, aspartate aminotransaminase and alanine aminotransaminase). The animals showed significant changes in the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase) and lipid peroxidation levels. Pretreatment with N. jatamansi extract significantly prevented these alterations and restored the enzyme activity and lipid peroxides to near normal levels. Restoration of cellular normality accredits the N. jatamansi with a cytoprotective role in doxorubicin-induced cardiac damage.

The role of antioxidant properties of Nardostachys jatamansi in alleviation of the symptoms of the chronic fatigue syndrome

An experimental model of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is utilized for evaluation of antidepressant, anti-stress effects, wherein the rat is forced to swim in water for 15 min/day on 21 consecutive days. Rats were divided into stressed control, stressed plus standard drug (Panax ginseng) and stressed plus 200 and 500 mg/kg of test drug, i.e., Nardostachys jatamansi extract (NJE) given orally. The immobility during each 5 min periods of 0-5, 5-10 and 10-15 min of stress were noted. Similarly the climbing (struggling) behaviour was noted in the above four groups of rats in intervals of 5 min. The locomotor activity and also the anxiety state in animals were evaluated in an elevated plus maze after CFS in all the four groups. There was a significant increase in despair behaviour and anxiety in stressed control animals on successive days of CFS. Locomotor activity gradually decreased in stressed control group. Treatment with NJE (200 and 500 mg/kg) significantly reversed both paradigms. Biochemical analysis showed that CFS significantly increased lipid peroxidation, nitrite and superoxide dismutase levels and decreased catalase level in rat brain. Administration of NJE (200 and 500 mg/kg) tended to normalize both augmented lipid peroxidation, nitrite, superoxide dismutase activities and catalase level significantly. NJE per se has an antioxidant effect. The results indicate that CFS may lead to oxidative stress, which is mitigated by NJE and so its antioxidant property may be responsible for anti-stress effect of NJE.

Effect of thioperamide on oxidative stress markers in middle cerebral artery occlusion model of focal cerebral ischemia in rats

In view of the recent evidence for the involvement of histamine in cerebral ischemia, the present study evaluated the effect of thioperamide (THP), a selective histamine H3-receptor antagonist, on middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) induced focal cerebral ischemia in rats. The rats were subjected to 2 h of MCAO followed by 22 h reperfusion after which the grip strength, locomotor activity and spontaneous alternation performance were assessed. Animals were then killed and oxidative stress markers were estimated in the whole brain. An elevation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and a reduction in glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), was observed following MCAO, the last two being statistically insignificant. Pretreatment with THP (5.5 mg/kg i.p. and 11 mg/kg i.p.) significantly reversed the MCAO-induced increase in TBARS, but could not reverse the other parameters. Paradoxically, it further reduced the levels of GPx, GR and SOD. No significant changes were observed in the catalase levels and in the grip strength and spontaneous alternation behavior of rats. Locomotor activity was reduced slightly, but reversed on pretreatment with THP. The dual effect of THP on oxidative stress requires further investigation and raises doubts on its possible use in cerebral ischemia.

Oral supplementation of Majun Baladar ameliorates antioxidant enzyme activities in cerebral ischaemic damage

Majun Baladar (MB), a traditional herbal formulation of the Unani system of medicine, was studied for its efficacy against cerebral ischaemia-induced oxidative damage in hippocampus and associated neurobehavioural deficits. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. The first group was sham, the second group was ischaemic (MCAO: middle cerebral artery occluded) and the third group was a MB pre-treated ischaemic group (MCAO + MB). The fourth group was given MB (1.05 g/kg) orally for 15 days as a drug control. The middle cerebral artery was occluded for 2 hr and reperfused for 22 hr in the ischaemic as well as the drug pre-treated group. The activity of the various enzymatic antioxidants like glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase and non-enzymatic antioxidants, glutathione along with levels of lipid peroxidation were evaluated. Cerebral ischaemic rats showed elevated level of lipid peroxidation and decreased levels of various antioxidants significantly over sham values. As a result of MB pre-treatment, the level of lipid peroxidation was found to be significantly depleted as compared to the ischaemic group. Furthermore, depleted levels of glutathione and the activity of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase were restored significantly in MB treated group. Majun Baladar exhibited a significant improvement in neurobehavioural activities in the drug pre-treated animals as compared to the ischaemic group as evidenced by the grip strength test, Rota-Rod and video path analysis. The results of the present study provide baseline information regarding the neuroprotective efficacy of MB and also open a window for a potent therapeutic use of this traditional herbal Unani medicine.

Screening of Indian medicinal plants for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity

The cholinergic hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has provided the rationale for the current pharmaco-therapy of this disease, in an attempt to reduce the cognitive decline caused by cholinergic deficits. Nevertheless, the search for potent and long-acting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors that exert minimal side effects in AD patients is still ongoing. AChE inhibitors are currently the only approved therapy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease; only a limited number of drugs are commercially available. Hydroalcohol extracts of six herbs, Andrographis paniculata, Centella asiatica, Evalvulus alsinoides, Nardostachys jatamansi, Nelumbo nucifera, Myristica fragrans used in Indian systems of medicine, were tested for in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity based on Ellman's method in 96-well microplates using AChE obtained from bovine erythrocytes. The results showed that the hydroalcohol extract from Centella asiatica, Nardostachys jatamansi, Myristica fragrans, Evalvulus alsinoides inhibited 50% of AChE activity at concentrations of 100-150 microg/mL. Andrographis paniculata and Nelumbo nucifera extracts showed a weak inhibition of acetylcholinesterase with IC(50) values of 222.41 +/- 19.87 microg/mL and 185.55 +/- 21.24 microg/mL, respectively. Physostigmine was used as a standard and showed inhibition of acetylcholinesterase with an IC(50) value of 0.076 +/- 0.0042 microg/mL.